June 22/03 10:21 am - Beauce Stage 6 Underway

The start of the final stage has been delayed because of concerns over road closures. The stage has just started at 10:15 am, 30 minutes late. The race was shortened one lap because of the delay. The weather conditions are perfect - sunny with no wind - but the riders are getting antsy...

This is a difficult stage, with 14 laps of a hard 11 kilometre circuit through St Georges. The riders have a 2.5 kilometre climb each lap that will undoubtedly split the field when the inevitable attacks begin. ZVVZ, Navigators and Team Canada will all be looking to put pressure on race leader John Lieswyn's 7 Up-Maxxis squad.

Notes:

- There are 80 starters. Cam Evans (Canadian National) will not start.

- Buck Miller (Jet Fuel) has been reinstated after being disqualified after last night's criterium stage. Miller took a free lap for a mechanical, but officials determined that he did not have a valid mechanical and disqualified him. Jet Fuel appealed the ruling and Miller was allowed back in the race, with a 200 Swiss Franc fine (approximately $205 Canadian).

- Lots of photos from Friday's Mont Megantic stage have just been posted.